Canadiens alumni put their team pride on display

MONTREAL -- No other team has woven a more impressive historic tapestry than the Montreal Canadiens.

The organization's rich history has reached mythical levels throughout the sports world.
And while it's vital to forge a new path toward the future, it's also quite important to respect and maintain the bond that established the foundation of greatness, which is why the Canadiens announced four players would be joining Réjean Houle and Yvan Cournoyer as ambassadors; Patrice Brisebois, Guy Carbonneau, Vincent Damphousse and Chris Nilan.
"We couldn't be happier to welcome this next generation of impressive individuals to carry the torch passed by those who came before them," said Geoff Molson.
Houle, the President of the Canadiens Alumni Association, echoed Molson's sentiment during a Live Roundtable on Twitch with the ambassadors.

"You always need new blood in a hockey team," he said. "The reinforcements are here today, and we're very happy."
The ambassadors, all of whom won a Stanley Cup with the team, reiterated their pride in representing La Saint Flanelle.
"The team holds a special place in my heart," said Damphousse. "And I am very, very proud to be an ambassador."
The newly appointed ambassadors understand the importance of maintaining the legacy of those who came before them. They'll be tasked with carrying the torch, so to speak.
"When we think about former ambassadors such as Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur," said Brisebois "It's an honour to be part of that family."
Nilan, who grew up in Boston, home of the Canadiens' greatest rival the Boston Bruins, made it clear what it means to play for the most successful franchise in hockey history.
"The Canadiens always represented the enemy for me," said Nilan. "But it didn't take me too long to understand the tradition and what that jersey stands for. I was so happy to retire with that jersey on."

In one succinct sentence, Houle summed up the feeling shared by all the former players on the panel.
"Once a Montreal Canadien, always a Montreal Canadien."